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Free speech, which includes the right to distribute material and peacefully assembly, is central to the College’s academic mission. The College encourages and supports open, vigorous, and civil debate across the full spectrum of society’s issues as they present themselves to the College community. At the same time, limitations on activities on College property are necessary so that the College may fulfill its primary mission of educating students. The use of outdoor space on the College’s campus does not represent an endorsement or support by the College of the content or viewpoints expressed by the individual or group using the space. The College is a limited public forum and does not discriminate based on content or viewpoint.

The President is authorized to develop procedures for public use of the College’s outdoor spaces for distribution of material and assembly.

Student’s Free Speech Rights

The College will protect the rights of freedom of speech, petition, and peaceful assembly and students may exercise those rights within the bounds of this policy. Students are authorized to exercise this right freely as long as the exercise of this right does not violate applicable rules of the college, substantially disrupt normal operations of the college, or substantially interfere with the rights of others. Students engaging in such disruptive activity may be subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. A request for use of a free speech area may be denied if determined that the proposed speech/activity will constitute a clear and present danger to the orderly operation of the College.

Those who exercise free speech as a part of the policy must not:

• Threaten passers-by.
• Substantially and materially interfere with, impede, or cause blockage of the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
• Substantially or materially interfere with or disrupt any other lawful activity.
• Create an imminent safety or health hazard.
• Incite violence or imminent lawlessness.
• Post materials on any walls, windows, doors, sidewalks, trees, light poles, etc. or any other College equipment.
• Carry signs or placards that exceed three feet by three feet. Signs for placards must not contain obscene language or words that intend to incite violence.
• Violate MTCC Code of Conduct.
• Utilize any electronic means of amplifying sound.
• Damage or destroy College property. Individuals who damage or destroy College property shall be held responsible for such damage or destruction. This includes lawns, shrubs, trees, etc.